Private Limited Company Registration in India: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026

A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) is the most popular business structure for startups and growing businesses in India. It offers limited liability, separate legal identity, easier access to funding, and credibility with customers and vendors.

Pre-Requisites for Pvt Ltd Registration

• Minimum 2 directors (maximum 15); at least one must be an Indian resident
• Minimum 2 shareholders (maximum 200)
• A unique company name (not identical or deceptively similar to existing companies or trademarks)
• A registered office address in India
• DIN (Director Identification Number) for each director
• DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for the first director or applicant

Step 1 — Obtain DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

A Class 3 DSC is required for the authorised signatory. This is obtained from government-approved certifying authorities (eMudhra, Sify, nCode, etc.) and typically takes 1–2 days. Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,000.

Step 2 — Name Reservation via RUN

Use the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on mca.gov.in to reserve your company name. You can submit 2 name preferences. Name approval typically takes 1–2 days. Rules for acceptable names:

• Must include the business activity or founder surname
• Must end with "Private Limited"
• Cannot be identical to or deceptively similar to existing companies or registered trademarks
• Cannot use prohibited words (government-related terms, etc.) without approval

Step 3 — File SPICe+ Form on MCA21

SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is the integrated form that handles:

• Company incorporation
• DIN allotment for new directors
• PAN and TAN application
• EPFO and ESIC registration
• Opening a bank account (via AGILE-PRO)
• GST registration (optional — can be done separately)
• Professional Tax registration (for applicable states)

Documents to attach with SPICe+:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) — defines the company's objectives and scope
• Articles of Association (AOA) — defines internal governance rules
• Identity and address proof of all directors and shareholders
• Utility bill or rent agreement for the registered office (not older than 2 months)
• Consent to act as director (Form DIR-2)
• Declaration by directors (Form INC-9)

Step 4 — Certificate of Incorporation

After ROC (Registrar of Companies) verification — typically 5–10 working days — you receive:

• Certificate of Incorporation (COI) with CIN (Corporate Identity Number)
• PAN and TAN of the company
• DIN for any newly appointed directors

Post-Incorporation Steps

Within 30–60 days of incorporation:

• Open a current account in the company name — deposit the subscribed share capital
• File Form INC-20A (Declaration of Commencement of Business) within 180 days
• Appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days (by Board resolution)
• Register for GST if applicable
• Set up company stationery — letterheads, invoices, and rubber stamps must show CIN

Pvt Ltd vs Other Structures — When to Choose This

GSRC and Associates provides end-to-end Private Limited Company registration services in Ghaziabad and across India — from name reservation to COI delivery and first-year compliance setup.